Abstract: A method for facilitating private and secure shipping of packages using the Internet is disclosed which includes accessing a secure shipping system account, activating the account for shipping, setting a package delivery time limit, receiving temporary address codes that are assigned to the account, and using the temporary address codes to direct the shipping of the packages. Use of such a system ensures that purchases can be shipped to a consumer without ever having to reveal a final destination to a merchant.

Abstract: A system and method for providing private and secure electronic purchasing via the Internet is disclosed. The system includes a central computer system which has capabilities to securely communicate with off-site remote access terminals via the Internet. The central computer system also has capabilities to securely communicate with trust bank computers, investment advisor computers and card processing computers. Provided are remote security access, account cross-referencing, omnibus accounting, and debit and credit card number selection. The central computer system is accessed using a computer via the Internet where a user activates a digital checkbook using the computer and sets transaction and time limits using the computer. User account information is accessed by the system, card numbers are selected by the system, and the user account is temporarily linked to the selected numbers by the system. The user never has to expose any personal information to the merchant.